What to Look Out for at School Open Days

School open days are a vital opportunity for parents and students to explore potential educational environments before making one of the most important decisions in a child’s early life. These events offer a glimpse behind the scenes of daily school life — beyond prospectuses and websites — and allow families to assess the ethos, environment, and experience of a school firsthand. To make the most of this opportunity, here’s what to look out for when attending a school open day.

1. Atmosphere and First Impressions

Pay close attention to how you feel as soon as you walk through the school gates. Does the school feel welcoming, safe, and lively? Are the staff and students friendly and engaged? The overall atmosphere can give you a lot of clues about the school culture and whether it aligns with your values and expectations.

Tip: Look around at the displays, hear the noise levels in corridors, and observe how students interact with staff. Happy children and approachable teachers are great signs.

2. Leadership and Staff

A strong and visionary leadership team is essential for a thriving school. During the open day, the headteacher will usually give a presentation — this is your chance to assess their values, leadership style, and plans for the school’s future.

Also take the opportunity to meet teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff. Ask about class sizes, teaching methods, and how they support both struggling and high-achieving students.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions about staff turnover, extracurricular support, or pastoral care systems.

3. Facilities and Resources

Tour the classrooms, science labs, sports facilities, libraries, and creative spaces. Are they well-equipped and modern? Are learning environments clean, organised, and stimulating?

With increasing reliance on technology, check whether the school integrates digital tools effectively. However, traditional resources like reading corners and group tables are equally important.

Tip: If your child has specific interests — like music, computing, or sports — ensure there are adequate facilities and opportunities for them to explore these passions.

4. Academic and Pastoral Support

Ask about how the school tracks progress and supports individual learning needs. Good schools should be able to articulate their approach to differentiated instruction and interventions.

Equally important is the pastoral care system. How does the school address mental health, bullying, and emotional development?

Tip: Look for a school that balances academic excellence with emotional wellbeing — both are crucial for long-term success.

5. Student Voices

Engage with the pupils. Their honesty can be eye-opening. Are they proud of their school? Can they speak confidently about their learning? Are they courteous and respectful?

Student ambassadors often guide visitors during open days — ask them about what they enjoy most and what they’d change. Their answers can reveal the genuine day-to-day experience of life at the school.

6. Parental Involvement and Communication

Strong home-school partnerships are key. Ask how the school communicates with parents and whether they welcome parental input. Do they have a PTA? Are parents encouraged to participate in school events?

Tip: Good schools will not only inform parents but actively engage them in the school community.

7. Results, Destinations, and Inspection Reports

While it’s not all about league tables, academic results and Ofsted/ISI reports are helpful indicators. Ask about recent achievements, progress scores, and where students go after leaving — particularly relevant for secondary and sixth form schools.

Tip: Don’t rely solely on inspection reports; use them in conjunction with what you observe and hear during your visit.

A school might look perfect on paper, but the real insight comes from walking the corridors, seeing the classrooms in action, and talking to the people who make up its community. Bring a list of questions, take notes, and most importantly — trust your instincts.

Choosing the right school is a personal decision, and an open day is your best chance to make an informed, confident choice. Happy visiting!

This is a collaborative post.